EA Mandates Office Return, Halts Remote Hiring

Electronic Arts (EA) has informed its employees of a significant shift in its work policy, moving away from remote work to a mandatory return to office. In an email from CEO Andrew Wilson, obtained by IGN, he emphasized the benefits of in-person work, stating it fosters "a kinetic energy that fuels creativity, innovation, and connection," which can lead to breakthroughs and enhanced player experiences. He further defined the new "hybrid work" model as requiring a minimum of three days a week in the local office, with plans to phase out "offsite local roles."

Laura Miele, EA Entertainment president, provided additional details in a follow-up email, explaining the transition to a "globally consistent, enterprise-wide work model." Key points from her communication include:

• The policy change will not be immediate; employees should continue their current work arrangements until further notice.
• A minimum 12-week notice period will precede any changes, with specific timelines varying by location.
• Hybrid work will require at least three days per week in the office, aligning with Wilson's directive.
• A new 30-mile/48-km radius rule will be implemented around EA locations.
• Employees within this radius will transition to the hybrid model, while those outside will remain remote unless their roles are designated as On Site or Hybrid.
• The Offsite Local work model will be discontinued over the next 3 to 24 months.
• Any exceptions to the new work model or future remote hires will need approval from a CEO Direct.

Anonymous sources within EA expressed to IGN that the announcement has caused upset and confusion among employees. Some are concerned about the feasibility of long commutes, while others worry about childcare and personal health issues that benefited from remote work. Remote employees outside the 30-mile radius are anxious about the future of their roles if they cannot or will not relocate.

The video game industry saw a surge in remote work during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, which many companies adopted as a long-term solution. However, recent trends show a reversal, with companies like Rockstar Games, Ubisoft, and Activision Blizzard facing backlash for their return-to-office mandates. This shift has led to employee frustration and turnover as workers face the dilemma of relocation or job loss.

EA's policy change follows recent layoffs, including around 300 employees company-wide, earlier cuts at BioWare, and the termination of approximately 670 roles last year.

IGN has reached out to EA for further comment on these developments.